Russia-Islamic World Meeting Kicks Off in Jeddah

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Russia-Islamic World Meeting Kicks Off in Jeddah

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Strategic Vision Group meeting between Russia and the Islamic world kicked off on Wednesday in Jeddah under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

Held under the theme “Dialogue and Prospects for Cooperation,” the meeting will include a broad participation of officials and scholars, and intellectuals from the Russian Federation and Islamic countries to discuss common issues and enhance cooperation in addressing the existing challenges.

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including former prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and many religious figures from the Islamic world.

This meeting comes within the framework of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its relations with the Islamic world, in light of the Kingdom’s initiative for dialogue between followers of religions and cultures.

Saudi Arabia is hosting this meeting for the second time after the fourth session was also held in Jeddah in 2008.

The group currently focuses on developing measures to strengthen long-term cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries and practical implementation of the strategic partnership.

The Group was established in 2006 under the supervision of Evgeny Maksimovich Primakov and Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev after the Russian Federation joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an observer member. The group held its first meeting in 2006 in Moscow, followed by the meetings in Kazan, Istanbul, Jeddah and Kuwait.

Ufa of the Republic of Bashkortostan hosted the last meeting on November 28-30, 2019, under the theme “Interfaith harmony ... The Experience of Russia and the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”



Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call Thursday from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, SPA reported.

During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, in addition to discussing a number of topics and mutual interest.


Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship.

The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth, SPA reported.

Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same period.

This growth is mirrored in the academic sector, where the Kingdom climbed from 53rd to seventh place globally in university-based entrepreneurship.

These milestones result from integrated efforts between government entities like the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at), the private sector, and academic institutions.


Saudi Crown Prince, Swiss President Discuss Cooperation between their Countries

The Saudi Crown Prince and the Swiss President meet in Jeddah (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince and the Swiss President meet in Jeddah (SPA)
TT

Saudi Crown Prince, Swiss President Discuss Cooperation between their Countries

The Saudi Crown Prince and the Swiss President meet in Jeddah (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince and the Swiss President meet in Jeddah (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met in Jeddah on Thursday with Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

They reviewed aspects of Saudi-Swiss cooperation across various fields and identified promising opportunities to develop it, particularly in investment.

They also discussed issues of mutual interest, recent developments in the region and the world, and coordinated efforts on these issues.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz; Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah; Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban; Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan; Minister of Investment Fahad Al-Saif; and Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Abdulrahman A-Dawood.

From the Swiss side, the meeting was attended by State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger; Swiss Ambassador to the Kingdom Yasmine Chatila; National Security Advisor Gabriel Luchinger; and a number of officials.